“I am a 49-year-old single woman, currently receiving Disability Support Pension, though until 4 years ago I was working part-time for a credit union in the city.
I moved into my house 6 years ago; it is a 3-bedroom private rental. I live alone. 14 years ago I had a stroke leaving me permanently disabled. When I was originally looking for a new home, I was fleeing a domestic violence relationship, and while I did go to Housing SA to try and secure emergency housing, I was told the waitlist was 5 years and I had to stay with my now-ex.
The only smaller places that were in my price range, were all 2-story townhouses, but these were not suitable due to my mobility issues. These mobility issues mean I use a mobility scooter to access shopping, etc.
The scooter needs a power source for charging and needs to be kept out of inclement weather. Most unit complexes have a shared parking area, with no power or shelter. So ideally I need a single car garage to meet my needs.
When I initially moved in my rent was $290 per week. Which was affordable on my wage, with a Centrelink top-up. At my first lease renewal my rent was increased by $5 per week. It stayed at this rate for the next 4 years.
Last year my house was sold to a new investor.the first thing they did at my lease renewal was to increase my rent by $45 per week. Making my new amount $340 per week.
This year, as part of the lease renewal, they increased the rent by $100 per week. Making my new and current rent $440 per week. I am now spending 75% of my fortnightly payment on rent.
I am extremely concerned that I will not be able to afford another rent increase, or be able to secure any affordable property here in Adelaide. My elderly parents who live overseas are supplementing my rent, so that I am able to stay in a home. There has been no opportunity to negotiate with my landlord/ real estate agent.
I am concerned that in the current climate and being on a welfare payment, my ability to secure another home is almost impossible. I have no family or close friends in the area that I could ‘stay’ with whilst looking for a home.” – Em.
Anti-Poverty Network SA 